Peptic oesophageal stricture in children: Management problems

• Main Authors: Mohamed Zouari, Houda Kamoun, Habib Bouthour, Rabia Ben Abdallah, Youssef Hlel, Riath Ben Malek, Youssef Gharbi, Nejib Kaabar
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications 2014-01-01
• Series: African Journal of Paediatric Surgery
• Subjects: Childhood; dilation; gastroesophageal reflux disease; peptic oesophageal stricture; surgery
• Online Access: http://www.afrjpaedsurg.org/article.asp?issn=0189-6725;year=2014;volume=11;issue=1;spage=22;epage=25;aulast=Zouari
• ISSN: 0189-6725; 0974-5998

Background: Peptic oesophageal stricture (PES) is a serious complication of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in childhood. The treatment of PES is still controversial, ranging from simple oesophageal dilations to resection/anastomosis of the stenotic portion of the oesophagus. In this study, we want to share our experience with 11 children with GERD and PES. Patients and Methods: A retrospective review of clinical data obtained from children who underwent dilation and antireflux surgery for PES was performed. Results: A total of 11 patients were diagnosed with PES. The clinical picture was dominated by dysphagia. Barium swallow showed hiatal hernia in nine cases (82%). Oesophageal strictures were located most commonly in the lower third of the oesophagus (91%). Three Children (27%) with PES had a neurologic impairment and patients had a mean duration of symptoms of 20 months (range, 3 month to 6.2 years) before intervention. Children received a median of four dilations (range, 1-21 dilations) for PES. Time to first dilation from age of diagnosis was a mean of 4.5 months (range, 2-14 months). Antireflux surgery was performed in all patients. Post-operatively, seven patients required repeat oesophageal dilation. Patients were followed with serial dilation for a median of 6 years (range, 1-9 years) and only one patient has a continued requirement of oesophageal dilation for PES. Conclusion: GERD complicated by PES is an important condition affecting a significant number of children. Early and effective treatment of both stricture and GERD is required to improve the prognosis of this serious condition.